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In an emotional letter to his church members, pastor Rick Warren of Lake Forest, Calif.-based Saddleback Church told them that his youngest son committed suicide.

“At 27 years of age, Matthew was an incredibly kind, gentle and compassionate young man whose sweet spirit was encouragement and comfort to many,” Warren, the popular author of The Purpose Driven Life, said in the letter. “Unfortunately, he also suffered from mental illness resulting in deep depression and suicidal thoughts.”

Matthew Warren, the youngest of three children of Rick Warren and his wife, Kay, killed himself Friday, the evangelical pastor said in the letter.

“No words can express the anguished grief we feel right now,” Warren wrote. “He had a brilliant intellect and a gift for sensing who was most in pain or most uncomfortable in a room. He’d then make a bee-line to that person to engage and encourage them.”

“In spite of America’s best doctors, meds, counselors, and prayers for healing, the torture of mental illness never subsided. Today, after a fun evening together with Kay and me, in a momentary wave of despair at his home, he took his life.”

Warren wrote that he and his wife “marveled at his courage” to fight “relentless pain.”

“I’ll never forget how, many years ago, after another approach had failed to give relief, Matthew said, ‘Dad, I know I’m going to heaven. Why can’t I just die and end this pain?’ but he kept going for another decade.”

Warren thanked church members and supporters for their “love and prayers,” telling them “we love you back.”

Read the letter Warren sent to his congregation.

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• Rick Warren

  We pray”Thy WILL be done on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN’ since in heaven God’s Will is done #always. On earth,it’s done rarely

• T. D. Jakes

  My heart is broken over the sad news of @RickWarren and @KayWarren1 losing their son today. Please keep them in prayer

• Joshua DuBois

  Broken for my friends @RickWarren amp; @KayWarren1. Their comfort is coming; Matthew’s is already here.

• Beth Moore

  Heartbroken for the Warren family. The Moores are weeping with you, @RickWarren amp; @KayWarren1. We will hold you up in prayer. Esteem you so.

• Mark Driscoll

  Teared up hugging amp; praying over my kids today while praying for my friend @RickWarren whose 27-yr-old son died. Please pray for his family.

• TANIKA-HONEY

  Let us keep Pastor Warren in prayer..

• Ed Stetzer

  New Blog Post: Please Join Me in Praying for @RickWarren and @KayWarren1 on This Sad Day http://t.co/B8SUtZJxDi

• Rev. Jeremy Smith

  Goodness. Prayers for Rick and Kay Warren for the loss of their son Matthew. What an unimaginable day for any parent. #prayers #suicide

• Brian D. McLaren

  I love @RickWarren and share in great sadness regarding the loss of his son.

• Sally Hitchiner

  Thoughts and prayers are with Rick Warren (influential American church leader) and family who’s son has just died http://t.co/saJhGUpZYK

• Mark Lowry

  So sad to hear of the suicide of @RickWarren ‘s son. Please pray for Rick and the Warren family.

• Pete Hise

  Please join me in praying 4 Pastor Rick amp; Kay Warren as I’ve just received the very sad news that their 27 yr. old son Matthew has died.

• skitguys

  Touched by poignant pastoral letter from Rick Warren to Saddleback Church family regarding death of his son Matthew … http://t.co/EWgNY8uHTM

• PLANETSHAKERS

  Our prayers r with Rick Warren amp; his family at the passing of their son.We prayer 4 the peace amp; love of God that brings comfort amp; strength

• Daniel Allen

  Offering prayer for the Rick Warren family. Lord have mercy; Crist have mercy. Lord have mercy.

• Ruth B

  My prayers are with Pastor Rick Warren and his wife Kay on the passing if their son Matthew. #Jesus #prayer

• David T. Demola

  I’m a father and pastor from afar, but I send my prayer and comfort to the Warren Family in the loss of their son. Our hope is in Christ!

• Jay Bakker

  So sad to hear about Rick and Kay’s son… Condolences and prayers.

• Russell Moore

  Let’s all pray for @RickWarren and @KayWarren1 who are going through a time of grief and loss.

• Mary-Ann Oyejobi

  My heart goes out to pastor Rick Warren and his family. The news is heartbreaking. I pray God strengthens amd comforts you all.

• McKenzie Hahn

  Unspeakably sad; please pray for Pastor Rick Warren’s family as they mourn the death of their son. @RickWarren @KayWarren1

• Kay D

  Heavy heart..hits close to home..please pray for their family! ..Matthew Warren, Son Of Rick Warren, Commits Suicide http://t.co/HSy4oVMSzC

• April Fregoso

  My heart is broken. Please pray for Rick Warren and his family.
  http://t.co/zfFB7hRC2q

• Brandon Dickson

  Please pray for Pastor Warren and his family today. No matter what you feel about him, it’s always devastating to… http://t.co/kh7v5RY8QY

• Dr. Jay Cook

  Please pray for Pastor Rick Warren amp; family in the loss of his son. No one is exempt from the pain sin has brought to our world.

• Scott Davis

  Please pray for Rick Warren amp; his family today with their tragic loss. http://t.co/plGRlMDczh

• Tanya Powell

  : R.I.P. Pray for this family.. http://t.co/6ljC14t5mO http://t.co/EUZd9V4PLt”

• Krista Spatz

  Please take time to pray for the Warren family today.

• Dave Turowec

  Many of us are saying this, but if you believe in God, pray that he’ll give the Warren family strength.

• Walidah White

  Saints of God we need to pray more now than ever! Praying for Rick Warren and family.

• Rev. Chuck Currie

  My prayers are with the family of Rick Warren and all those who have suffered from the tragedy of suicide.